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TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.

For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.

> Based on the archives, I'd say that most Whirlers already have
> considerable knowledge outside the discipline of writing, and
> they also
> work to expand that knowledge.

I agree with that. I tend to think that if I approached nearly anyone on
this forum and debated some issue about technical communication and then
said, "What do you do you know? You're just a technical writer," I would
have my ego served to me on a platter.

Not that I wouldn't debate issues, since I have a little habit of doing that
anyway, but I would never say that somebody who holds the title of technical
writer is somehow inferior because of the title.

A technical writer is a writer, although the profession requires a great
deal of non-written work and a good deal of education and experience that is
not related to writing. The position of copywriter requires less industry
knowledge and perhaps even a lower degree of writing ability. A copywriter
may not be a "technical communicator," per se, but a technical writer must
be a technical communicator.

> (I prefer not to debate the use of "lifestyle" and "constantly.")

Ahhh. Thanks for avoiding that potential flame war.

Lauren

> > From: David Hailey

> > ... When I suggest that we be technical communicators, I
> > am not suggesting that we call ourselves "technical
> > communicators." I am suggesting we adopt lifestyle like
> > Leonards and JagDrivers, where we are constantly
> > expanding our knowledge outside the narrower discipline
> > of writing, into the broader discipline of communication.
> > The difference is not in name -- call yourself anything
> > you want. The difference is in lifestyle.
> >
> > Dave

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